6 Lovely Small Towns to Visit in The Adirondack Mountains This Summer
One of New York’s most visited regions, the Adirondack Mountains are a vast and stunning wilderness area covering approximately six million acres in the northeastern part of the state. It is especially popular among nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, with an impressive 2,000 miles of hiking trails, more than 3,000 lakes and ponds, and countless rivers and streams just waiting to be explored.
Home to Native Americans long before European settlers arrived, the region's tourism industry began to flourish in the 19th century with the construction of grand resorts and the advent of the “Adirondack Great Camps,” luxurious country estates built by wealthy families to escape New York City’s summer heat. Today, the Adirondacks are renowned for their charming small towns, each offering a blend of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and vibrant cultural scenes. Find out more about these six lovely small towns to visit in the Adirondack Mountains this summer.
Lake Placid
When most visitors think of the Adirondacks, they picture a lovely small town like Lake Placid. And for good reason. Famous for having hosted the Winter Olympics twice (in 1932 and again in 1980), this picturesque village-like community is extremely photogenic thanks to its lakeside setting. The town provides easy access to three lovely bodies of water: Mirror Lake (the smallest), East Lake, and Lake Placid itself, all of them ideal spots for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. It’s also fun to hike in and around these lakes, with some of the best routes taking diehards as far as the summit of Whiteface Mountain, a trek of around seven hours.
Visitors can learn more about the town’s sporting glory at the Olympic Museum, and even pick up a money-saving Legacy Pass for access to other related sites and attractions, including in-line skating on the famous Oval skating rink. This lovely town’s connection to world sports continues this summer with Ironman Lake Placid, a July event that attracts athletes and spectators from across the globe.
Saranac Lake
Cross over the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness from Lake Placid and you will wind up in the equally lovey town of Saranac Lake. Situated near the Saranac River and surrounded by that stunning Adirondack scenery, top attractions here include the Saranac Laboratory Museum which provides a fascinating glimpse into the town's history as a renowned center for tuberculosis treatment in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Adirondack Artists Guild Gallery is another great place to visit and showcases the work of local creatives.
A ride aboard the Adirondack Railroad is a delightful way to get to know the area and offers a variety of scenic train ride options across these beautiful landscapes. Numerous outdoor activities are also to be enjoyed here, including hiking, fishing, and canoeing. The nearby Saint Regis Canoe Area, the largest wilderness canoe area in the Northeast, is especially popular for its extensive waterways and plentiful camping.
Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga is a historic town on the shores of Lake Champlain and Lake George, just across the state border from Vermont, that is perfect for a fun weekend getaway or vacation. In addition to its lakes, top attractions include Fort Ticonderoga, a well-preserved 18th-century fortress that played a crucial role in the American Revolution. Visitors can explore the fort's museum, watch live reenactments, and enjoy excellent views of Lake Champlain from the fort's ramparts. Another historic site, the Ticonderoga Heritage Museum, provides insights into the town's industrial past and its role in the pencil manufacturing industry.
Lake George is another huge draw known as the "Queen of American Lakes" for its spectacular Adirondack setting. Popular things to do here include taking a scenic boat cruise, renting a boat, or hiking along the network of trails that circle the lake. Those who enjoy nature a little more tamed can relax in the town's lovely Bicentennial Park. Set on the banks of the La Chute River, it’s a great place for a picnic or just watching the world go by. And if a visit is on the cards this summer, time it to coincide with Ticonderoga’s “Best 4th In The North Celebration.” This four-day July event features parades, fireworks, live music, and family-friendly activities that draw sightseers across the Northeast.
Bolton Landing
Follow Lake George south from Ticonderoga, and you will find yourself in the pretty village of Bolton Landing. This lovely small community is home to one of the best places to stay in the Adirondack Mountains: The Sagamore Resort. This historic 4-star hotel has been welcoming guests since the 1880s and provides guests with luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and plenty of outdoor fun, including golf, tennis, and boating. The resort is also a fantastic base from which to explore nearby attractions like the Bolton Historical Museum, with its interesting insights into the history and heritage of the town as well as the greater Lake George region.
Bolton Landing is also a popular spot for hikers to enjoy a layover. Highlights for a hike include The Pinnacle Preserve, which has two trails connecting the town with this spectacular vantage point, and neither of them is too difficult. If you are moderately fit, it is well worth the climb for the views over Lake George. If planning to visit this summer, time a trip to coincide with the Lake George Music Festival. Held annually in August, this fun event features classical, jazz, and contemporary music performances.
Old Forge
Known as "Adirondack Base Camp" for its central location, Old Forge is home to just 750 full-time residents, a number that swells significantly once summer arrives. Among the best of its many natural attractions is the Fulton Chain of Lakes, a series of eight connected lakes that provide ample opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Off-water fun includes exploring nearby McCauley Mountain, which offers hiking trails in the summer and skiing in the winter, along with phenomenal views of the surrounding scenery.
One of the major summer events in Old Forge is the Adirondack Paddlefest. Held annually in June, it’s the US’s largest on-water canoe and kayak sale and features demonstrations, clinics, and guided paddling trips. The town also hosts the Old Forge Farmers Market, which starts in June and is a great spot to pick up local produce, crafts, and baked goods. No summer visit would be complete without stopping at the Enchanted Forest Water Safari, New York's largest water theme park with over 50 rides and attractions, including water slides, wave pools, and kiddie rides.
North Creek
North Creek’s location just 90 minutes north of Albany makes it an ideal spot for newbies to get a taste of the Adirondacks. Situated along the Hudson River, North Creek serves as a gateway to the Gore Mountain region, an area well-known for its outdoor activities as well as its cultural attractions. The latter includes the North Creek Depot Museum, which chronicles the town's history as a major railroad hub and its role in the Adirondack timber industry, and the Tannery Pond Center, which hosts art exhibits, theater performances, and concerts.
In addition to white-water rafting on the Hudson River, nearby Gore Mountain offers summer activities, including scenic gondola rides, hiking trails, and mountain biking, along with superb views from the summit of the Adirondack High Peaks. Summer events include the Hudson River Whitewater Derby with its competitive canoe and kayak races, and the North Creek Farmer's Market, which runs from June to October.
As anyone who has ever been there can attest, the Adirondack Mountains are a treasure trove of scenic beauty enhanced by the region’s many lovely small towns. From the Olympic legacy of Lake Placid and the artistic spirit of Saranac Lake to the historic significance of Ticonderoga and the outdoor adventures of Bolton Landing, these towns provide a diversity of memorable experiences for visitors. Whatever you enjoy doing, these six lovely small towns in the Adirondack Mountains are the best destinations to visit this summer.
